The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have condemned tribalism and corruption in the country.

Addressing a news conference after the three days of meeting to discuss the situation in the country, the Archbishop of Juba, Paulino Lukudu Loro, said leaders should know that they are servants of their people.

He challenged the leaders on both sides, the government and the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition, to deliver services to the people.

“Tribalism is allied with corruption and nepotism. Political office is perceived by many as synonymous with access to power and wealth, and communities often feel that they need their own tribesmen and women in power in order that community to have access to resources,” said Paulino Lukudu.

“We condemn corruption and … political leadership is about services to all the citizens of South Sudan not about personal power and wealth.”

Archbishop Lukudu urged the warring parties to negotiate in good faith in order to reach a peaceful settlement to the on-going conflict in South Sudan.

“We are pastors not politicians, but our faithful are dying,” he said.

“We do not try to advice on the details of the political resolutions of the problems of our country. Nevertheless, we urge the parties to negotiate in good faith; we demand that the killing must.”

Archbishop Lukudu Loro urged the other churches and the international community to also pressure the warring parties in order to bring peace to South Sudan.